Hyde5: Kosar doesn't back down from comments

1. Former University of Miami and NFL star Bernie Kosar took the hit for his TV comments. But the ol' quarterback didn't back down at all.

"I love the game so much, there's no way I'd want to disrespect or hurt, or make fun of, any players or coaches," Kosar said in the opening minutes of the Cleveland Browns telecast of their preseason game against Detroit. "That being said, the way I look at the game and the way I like to analyze it from a football perspective, it is what it is. And again, I don't want to disrespect and hurt any of the players and coaches in the league.

"I do like the way I look at the game and I have strong feelings about the way the game's played."

It'll be interesting to see just where this goes now. Bernie is popular, one of the good guys in sports. But last week during Cleveland's game against St. Louis, Kosar called out several Rams in a way that angered St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher. Cleveland CEO Joe Banner apologized and told Kosar to tone it down.

In one comment, Kosar attempted a joke about St. Louis quarterback Kelly Clemens recently meeting the Pope.

"Bless me father for I have sinned," Kosar said. "I have to watch him the whole fourth quarter."

Kosar also called the Rams receivers "horrible" and said he would be embarrassed if he were one of their parents. He said Rams wide receivers coach Ray Sherman wasn't doing a very good job, either.

Kosar's words Thursday night no doubt will be reviewed. Will the ex-Miami Dolphins quarterback be on Cleveland TV for the Dolphins' season-opening game against the Browns?

2. The Dolphins signing of defensive end Antwan Applewhiteisn't a good sign on the health of Dion Jordan. You don't bring in another defensive end at this point in training camp unless you're wondering about the health of one. And Jordan is the only one being held out.

3. What's at stake for Jeff IrelandJoe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill? Everything, as I wrote in my column today. I like Ireland's moves the last couple of years. But he's in the last year of his contract and that means results are needed if Steve Ross wiill give him an extension.

4. My team, Liverpool, opens the Premier League season on NBC's new coverage tomorrow. And I have no idea what will happen with Luis Suarez.

5. New England has had practices with Tampa Bay and Philadelphia before playing preseason games. If I'm Tom Brady's knee, that's the definition of unnecessary risks.